Location: Molecular Characterization of Foodborne Pathogens Research
Project Number: 8072-42000-093-008-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Apr 22, 2022
End Date: Sep 30, 2023
Objective:
Effective screening for and identification of the foodborne bacterial pathogen Salmonella requires the elimination of preferential growth of select subtypes (serotypes) during culture-based enrichment. Such preferential growth, also known as culture bias, leads to the reporting of false negative results. The goal of this work is to analyze and mitigate Salmonella serotype bias in enrichment media using an elastic light bacterial colony scattering instrument known as BEAM and was developed by researchers at Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana). The BEAM instrument and associated analysis technology will be retooled (modified and optimized) and used to generate a rebuilt Salmonella database.
Approach:
The current BEAM instrument platform optical path and associated culture plate handling robotic system will be re-tooled for optimal performance. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be employed to re-train BEAM-based analysis in the building of an updated Salmonella image database, using Salmonella characterized for serotype by USDA Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC; Clay Center, Nebraska). USMARC will share up to 200 Salmonella isolates of various serotypes with ERRC for this purpose. BEAM will then be applied to analyze and follow mitigation of serotype bias in mixed cultures of Salmonella derived from poultry samples.
